Second last wrap up of the year and it’s the #holidayadventureathon that I participated a week before. Read a total of six books (I consider each book in The Hogwarts Library as one) in the span of 11 days. Think I did pretty well despite having a final and being overseas for six days.
I opened up True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories, made it through the first short story which was by Rainbow Rowell and closed it back. Just couldn’t get through it so I DNF it. Didn’t manage to read The Winner’s Crime and The Winner’s Kiss.
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – JK Rowlingspoiler blog post! (coming soon)
// elf: read a fantasy book //
rating: ★★★★★
I loved it. How can I not? It’s Harry Potter. JK Rowling knows how to tug your heartstrings with words. Even though this is the third time I’m reading Harry Potter, it still seems that I’ve missed out on details the previous two times and I don’t even care. It’s a new experience each time I read the series and each time I’m always amazed and wowed at the intricacies of creating the wizarding world and its rules and characters.
It’s such a comfort book that I can’t not pick up Harry Potter during the festive season. Going to continue my reread of the entire series.
2. The Hogwarts Library – JK Rowling
// present: read a book that you got as a gift //
rating: ★★★★
Firstly, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was so fun. I love the descriptions of all the beasts which ignited my want of getting the illustrated version (it’s so beautiful). Recently watched a flip-through of the book and I’m sold.
Next, The Tales of Beedle the Bard consisted of a few short stories created by Beedle. I liked his story-telling and the meaning behind each story. More than that, I liked to read Dumbledore’s sassy and fun commentary.
Lastly, I read Qudditch Through the Ages. It was slightly dry but I’m consistently intrigued by the history of Qudditch.
3. Heartless – Marissa Meyerblog review (coming soon)
// wish: read a fairytale retelling //
rating: ★★★★
I was on edge throughout Heartless mainly because of The Queen of Hearts’ reputation as the “Off with his head” villain in Alice in Wonderland. I knew she was going to turn bad and I wasn’t looking forward to it. I had such a hard time accepting that she was becoming bad now that in this version, she was kind and hopeful before.
This is my first time reading a villain’s backstory, it was definitely another type of reading experience in comparison to reading the story via the protagonist’s point of view. Though I was reading it with a heavy heart, I’m looking forward to more antagonist novels in the future.
4. The Winner’s Curse – Marie Rutkoskiblog review coming soon!
// naughty: read a book that was a cover buy //
rating: ★★★★1⁄2
Bought The Winner’s trilogy around awhile ago but never got around to picking it up. Although I did enjoy and was extremely entertained with Marie Rutkoski’s writing and her ability to create such well-rounded characters and world-building skills, I didn’t find myself loving it. I had high expectations about The Winner’s Curse because of so many positive reviews about the trilogy and I wasn’t disappointed.
I love Kestrel’s personality. She’s such a warrior except that she lacked the physical part of being one. She’s a strategist and a manipulator. She reads people better than anyone else. I love her. Kestrel’s protectiveness of the people she loves is very evident but doesn’t care about the others as much. I’m a little conflicted with Arin but that’s a conversation at the discussion section of the full review.
Highly highly recommend for everyone to pick this up!
5. True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories// jolly: read a book with the word ‘holiday’ in the title //
rating: nope.
Started the first short story “Midnights” by Rainbow Rowell and liked it. Had no idea what was going on in the second story and lost all interest in the rest of the book. I’m sorry but I wouldn’t be continuing the other stories anymore. nope. no more. sorry.
Well, the most disappointing read would be True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories. Other than Harry Potter, I think my favourite would be The Winner’s Curse which had really interesting characters and plot. Don’t get me wrong, Heartless was good too but I mostly stayed for Jest.
